Swastikas Drawn In Westfield School Remain Under Investigation

WESTFIELD, NJ - The Westfield Police Department is continuing their investigation into swastikas found drawn in Westfield High School Friday, according to Chief of Police Christopher Battiloro.

"Our Detectives are working with the school to identify a suspect," Battiloro told Patch. "The matter is under active investigation."

Last Friday, Westfield High School Principal Mary Asfendis sent an email to parents explaining the situation.

“These types of actions are taken extremely seriously by school administration and are not tolerated,” Asfendis said, noting that district employees documented the incident, quickly removed the symbols and contacted police.

Superintendent Margaret Dolan said that hate of any kind against anyone is not who we are as a district nor will it be tolerated.

"The more than 6,000 students who acted with respect for others today and every day deserve no less. As Mrs. Asfendis stated, she and other administrators, along with the School Resource Officer, are investigating and we hope to determine who committed this act," Dolan said. "We appreciate our partnership with the parent community in speaking with their children as we work to combat hate. We also hope that our work with the Anti-Defamation League and its program, 'No Place for Hate,' will support our efforts to educate all of our students.”

This is not the first time incidents like this have occured in Westfield or the surrounding schools. Last fall there were several incidents of hate-laden graffiti that lead to the arrest of a 13-year-old boy being charged with five counts of criminal mischief.

The criminal charges, which were approved by the Union County Prosecutor's Office Juvenile Unit, were the result of a joint investigation conducted by Detective Dennis DaSilva of the Westfield Police Department and school officials.

Related Stories:

• Swastika Found In Westfield Elementary School Bathroom
• Westfield BOE Addresses 'Unacceptable' Swastika Symbol
• Hate Graffiti Found In Westfield School Again
• Active Investigation Into Westfield Hate Graffiti Continues

"This type of behavior cannot and will not be accepted," Battiloro said.

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